“Is that the only reason?” she asked, “because I don’t see what’s actually dangerous about that.”

“OK fine.” Her companion was really angry now, and spoke through clenched teeth. “It’s dangerous because everyone is going to think you’re crazy, and you’ll lose all your friends, and you’re going to end up in a mental hospital if you’re not careful!”

She blinked.

“But if that’s the only reason-” she began.

“It’s a good enough reason!” her companion hissed.

“But if that’s the only reason,” she said again, “it’s a closed loop. And I’ve just got to break out.”